How social media companies are trying to fight coronavirus misinformation

Thursday, April 9, 2020 - 14:40 in Mathematics & Economics

Pinterest sets a high bar for its coronavirus search results. (Pinterest/)Even during typical circumstances, almost every social media channel is booby-trapped with misinformation. Companies have regular methods in place to try to mitigate the phenomenon, but the coronavirus has proved particularly challenging. It’s a global event with rapidly changing developments and statistics that require constant vetting and evaluation. When misinformation slips through the cracks, the results can be particularly and immediately harmful.Many tech companies already have systems in place to try to combat misinformation, but have ramped up their efforts in light of the coronavirus. Here’s an overview of what some of the biggest players in social media are doing to stick to the facts.FacebookOn March 18th, Facebook launched its Coronavirus Information Center, which acts as a hub to collect updates and content directly from sources such as the World Health Organization as well as other trusted media outlets. When...

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